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The post-war ranch house was freely adapted and modified in the 1950s and early 1960s. Developers, building suppliers, and architects published pattern books with plans for one-story homes. Frank Lloyd Wright's Prairie Style design quickly became a prototype for mid-century modernism, as seen in this Modified Ranch. International Styles found in commercial buildings were incorporated into residential construction. On the West Coast of the United States, Mid-Century Modernism is often referred to as Desert Modernism, and two developers dominated.
estudio estudio revives a 1930s-era house in mexico city with minimalist details - Designboom
estudio estudio revives a 1930s-era house in mexico city with minimalist details.
Posted: Wed, 14 Jun 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Charming Photos Of Young Al Pacino From His Career
Linoleum became the go-to flooring material in the 1930s for its affordability and variety of designs. The aesthetic balance between utility and beauty was crucial, and lighting was meticulously selected, with pendant lights or even chandeliers providing a stately ambiance befitting of the room’s purpose. The 1930s also embraced Modern Design, which brought about a cleaner and more practical aesthetic compared to the ornamental Art Deco. In contrast, the Colonial Revival style honored American heritage with symmetrical facades and decorative shutters, often reflecting a pride in the nation’s history through architectural form. The vibrant world of fashion in the 1930s brought with it a surge of Art Deco influence in home decor, which you’d have seen in everything from skyscrapers to cinemas and homes.
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In 1931, the Armstrong sunny yellow kitchen offered a cheery contrast to the outside world with its bright and optimistic color. The use of yellow in kitchens became synonymous with the notion of a warm, welcoming space where families could gather. The decade introduced a range of materials and styles that catered to the newly emerging middle-class homeowners, who desired a slice of luxury without the extravagant costs. Traditional design elements, such as wainscoting, crown moldings, and claw-footed furniture, added layers of visual interest and historical significance.
#5 Crane kitchen design, 1930
In the 1930s, aviation had begun to capture the public’s imagination, symbolizing modernity and progress. Kitchens like the 1936 Westinghouse kitchen mirrored this advancement with streamlined designs and a focus on efficiency and technology. Dramatic, glamorous homes depicted in motion pictures translated into everyday decor, helping people dream beyond the Great Depression’s harsh realities. The 1930 Sun Room by Armstrong showcased a blend of comfort and style, embodying a cinematic elegance that homeowners sought to emulate.
Let's look at two prominent furniture styles of the 1930s—Art Deco and Streamline Moderne—and learn about their distinct characteristics. 1939 – Franco Albini designs this desk for himself, two decades before it goes into production for Knoll. To replicate the style of the 1930s without breaking the bank, consider sourcing cost-effective materials reminiscent of that era. The era was a tapestry of design, weaving the luxury of Art Deco with the practicality of new technology.
Homeowners showed incredible ingenuity by repurposing and reusing materials and furniture. Handmade and home-sewn items were not just common but prized, adding a personal touch that the previous decades of mass production had overshadowed. Fabrics for curtains and upholstery featured cheerful, bright patterns—often floral—to contrast against the otherwise somber economic atmosphere.

Pastels brought softness and light to interiors, with shades of cream, beige, and ivory being particularly popular. The Great Depression, which unfurled itself throughout the 1930s, significantly influenced home interiors. With limited resources, interior design became less about opulence and more about practicality and affordability. Families were making do with what they had, leading to a charming simplicity in home décor. With Ludwig Mies van der Rohe as the last director, Germany’s Bauhaus is closed by the Nazis in 1933.
1935 – Dorothy Draper & Co. redecorates the Mark Hopkins Hotel in San Francisco, and Gerald Summers comes out with a tea trolly. Remember, the concepts honed during the 1930s have proven their durability, allowing you to incorporate elements that have withstood the test of time into your home. Modern designers often tip their hats to the past by reinterpreting the 1930s with a contemporary twist. The streamlined geometry of Art Deco not only reflected technological advances but also represented a departure from the ornate detailing of the past. This is just a showcase of how cleverly picked items set the right tone while not taking away much from the rest of the room. Even if you install a relatively small bookshelf and leather couch in the corner, that will still invoke the right vibes.
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Just as certain colors were popular during this time, so were specific design patterns. Checkered patterns, gingham, polka dots, florals, and designs with fruits and vegetables were often prominently featured in 1930s and 1940s kitchen designs. Paired with the above-mentioned colors, these patterns added to the cheerful, bright feel of the spaces during these decades and reflected the hope that people were striving for in the post-World War II era. The Art Deco movement was a product of the roaring twenties that continued to influence designs into the 1930s.
While wood remained the primary material for furniture, newer materials like Bakelite, chrome, and glass were becoming popular. The waterfall front, an iconic Art Deco design element, was seen on everything from dressers to radios. The allure of the 1930s interior design endures, blending vintage charm with modern sensibilities in a way that continues to capture the imagination. Chinoiserie motifs, including bamboo patterns and intricate lacquer work, were especially popular. You can see the influence of this style in the 1935 Armstrong kitchen with its emphasis on ornamentation balanced with functionality.
Often defined by geometric patterns and motifs, bold jewel tones, and rich material palettes, the interior design style is opulent and decadent. “These days, we probably wouldn’t do a whole authentic Art Deco interior,” adds Jessica Lagrange, founder of the aforementioned eponymous design firm. Chrome and tubular steel were the materials most found in Streamline Moderne furniture. The smooth and sleek surfaces of this design style never used brightly colored patterns or bold designs. At times, contrasting colors like light blue, light green, or light navy were used for the trim. In 1937, Heywood-Wakefield, a furniture company in New England, popularized this style, and it only grew from there.
Characterized by its geometric patterns, bold colors, and luxurious materials, Art Deco architecture presented a modern and opulent facade. In the 1930s, home interiors balanced traditional elegance with the novel flair of modernity. As you explore the quintessential living spaces of this era, you’ll discover a rich tapestry of design elements that defined a decade of style evolution.
To embrace the vintage vibes of the 1930s, look for furniture pieces with these design elements. You can also mix in some Hollywood Regency-inspired pieces, such as mirrored furniture and plush upholstery, to add a touch of glamour to your space. In addition to geometric patterns, 1930s interiors are also known for their use of luxurious materials such as velvet, silk, and satin. These sumptuous fabrics add a sense of luxury and glamour to any room, whether it’s a plush velvet sofa or silk curtains that drape elegantly from the windows. To truly embrace the 1930s aesthetic, look for furniture pieces with sleek lines and curved silhouettes that exude a sense of sophistication and elegance.
After the frenetic and fun 1980s, the 1990s seemed a lot slower and relaxed with the decade bringing a toned-down style that was neutral and simple. The minimalist vibe can be seen in this loft apartment featuring a living room with exposed brick walls, clean lines, and plenty of natural light thanks to floor-to-ceiling windows. Large windows and indoor gardens, hanging plants, wicker furniture, and avocado green appliances were some of the interior design choices of the time.